on the bell and the door flew open. Sounds of
laughter and comic songs issued from the abode and in a second they
were in the crowded drawing room. It was packed with all the Elite and
a stout duchess with a good natured face was singing a lively song and
causing much merriment. The earl strode forward at sight of two new
comers. Hullo Bernard old boy he cried this is a pleasure and who have
you got with you he added glancing at Ethel.

Oh this is Miss Monticue said Bernard shall I introduce you----

If you will be so good said the Earl in an affable tone and Bernard
hastily performed the right. Ethel began a bright conversatiun while
Bernard stroled off to see if he could find any friends amid the
throng.

[Pg 82]
What pleasant compartments you have cried Ethel in rarther a socierty
tone.

Fairly so so responded the Earl do you lire in London he added in a
loud tone as someone was playing a very difficult peice on the piano.

Well no I dont said Ethel my home is really in Northumberland but I am
at present stopping with Mr Clark at the Gaierty Hotel she continud in
a somewhat showing off tone.

Oh I see said the earl well shall I introduce you to a few of my
friends.

Of please do said Ethel with a dainty blow at her nose.

The earl disserppeard into the madding crowd and presently came back
with a middle aged gentleman. This is Lord Hyssops he said my friend
Miss Monticue he added genially.

Ethel turned a dull yellaw. Lord Hyssops she said in a faint voice why
it is Mr Salteena I know him well.

[Pg 83]
Hush cried the Earl it is a title bestowd recently by my friend the
Prince of Wales.

Yes indeed murmered Mr Salteena deeply flabbergasted by the ready wit
of the earl.

Oh indeed said Ethel in a peevish tone well how do you come to be
here.

I am stopping with his Lordship said Mr Salteena and have a set of
compartments in the basement so there.

I dont care said huffy Ethel I am in handsome rooms at the Gaierty.

Nothing could be nicer I am sure struck in the earl what do you say
Hyssops eh.

Doubtless it is charming said Mr Salteena who was wanting peace tell
me Ethel how did you leave Bernard.

I have not left him said Ethel in an annoying voice I am stopping with
him at the gaierty and we have been to lots of theaters and dances.

Well I am glad you are enjoying yourself said Mr Salteena kindly you
had been looking pale of late.

[Pg 84]
No wonder in your stuffy domain cried Ethel wel